Flights to Oman resume

By Adrian Bridge

Flights in and out of the Gulf state of Oman have resumed following the temporary closure of Muscat’s Seeb International Airport in the wake of a cyclone which caused more than 20 deaths and injured many more.

No tourists were believed to be among the dead and injured.

However, the celebrated Chedi hotel confirmed that it was temporarily closed as a result of water damage caused by Cyclone Gonu . The hotel’s guests have all been relocated to other properties, and those due to arrive today will be offered alternative accommodation.

Other hotels popular with British guests, including the Shangri-La’s luxurious Barr Al Jissah Resort , were reported to be open as usual.

Cyclone Gonu was the strongest to hit the Gulf for decades, damaging buildings and trees in Muscat, and leaving many roads flooded. Electricity supplies and communications were also interrupted at the peak of the storm on Wednesday and Thursday. Thousands of people were evacuated from southern coastal areas.

As the clear-up operation got into full swing, officials said they expected electricity and telecommunications to be functioning normally by the weekend.

“Holidaymakers heading to Oman at the moment should not be deterred,” said Alison Cryer, Director (UK and Irelend) of the Oman Tourist Office in London. “Things are rapidly getting back to normal, and all those who were to be staying at the Chedi will be found places elsewhere.”

Over the past five years visitor numbers to Oman have increased dramatically as the Sultanate establishes itself as another popular Gulf destination and an interesting alternative to Dubai. A total of 135,000 Britons visited last year, the majority to enjoy the sun during the winter months.